RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar, na Iᵃ Região de Saúde de Pernambuco (Iᵃ RSP), os padrões espaciais da febre de Chikungunya (CHIKF) e os fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e de infestação vetorial associados. Métodos: Este estudo ecológico utilizou a análise espacial das Taxas Médias de Incidência (TMI) de casos prováveis da CHIKF notificados entre os residentes dos 19 municípios da Iᵃ RSP no período de 2015–2021. Os índices de Moran global (I) univariados e bivariados foram estimados. Das associações significativas (p<0,05), clusters foram localizados por meio do Índice de Moran Local e de mapas. Resultados: Identificou-se predominância das maiores TMI da CHIKF no leste. Entretanto, houve distribuição heterogênea das taxas dos municípios, o que pode ter contribuído para a ausência de autocorrelação espacial da CHIKF (I=0,03; p=0,294) no I univariado. O I bivariado revelou correlação espacial positiva entre a CHIKF e o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) (I=0,245; p=0,038), porém com um cluster de cidades com baixas incidências e baixo IDHM no oeste. Não houve correlação espacial entre a CHIKF e as demais variáveis analisadas: densidade demográfica, Índice de Gini, Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social e Índice de Infestação Predial de Aedes aegypti. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que somente o IDHM influenciou na ocorrência da CHIKF na Iᵃ RSP, de forma que municípios do oeste demonstraram dependência espacial entre menores valores de IDHM e TMI. No entanto, essa correlação espacial pode ter ocorrido devido às possíveis subnotificações na área. Tais achados podem auxiliar na (re)orientação de recursos dos serviços de vigilância e assistência à saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the spatial patterns of chikungunya fever (CHIKF) and the associated socioeconomic, demographic, and vector infestation factors in the 1st Health Region of Pernambuco (1st HRP). Methods: This ecological study used a spatial analysis of Mean Incidence Rates (MIR) of probable cases of CHIKF reported among residents of the 19 municipalities of the 1st HRP, in 2015–2021. The univariate and bivariate global Moran indexes (I) were estimated. From the significant associations (p<0.05), clusters were identified using the local Moran index and maps. Results: A predominance of the largest CHIKF rates was identified in the east. However, there was a heterogeneous distribution of rates across municipalities, which may have contributed to the absence of spatial autocorrelation of CHIKF (I=0.03; p=0.294) in univariate I. The bivariate I revealed a positive spatial correlation between CHIKF and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) (I=0.245; p=0.038), but with a cluster of cities with low incidences and low MHDI in the west. There was no spatial correlation between CHIKF and the other variables analyzed: population density, Gini index, social vulnerability index, and building infestation index for Aedes aegypti. Conclusions: The results suggest that only the MHDI influenced the occurrence of CHIKF in the 1st HRP, so that municipalities in the west demonstrated spatial dependence between lower values of MHDI and MIR. However, this spatial correlation may have occurred due to possible underreporting in the area. These findings can assist in the (re)orientation of resources for surveillance and health care services.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the spatial patterns of chikungunya fever (CHIKF) and the associated socioeconomic, demographic, and vector infestation factors in the 1st Health Region of Pernambuco (1st HRP). Methods: This ecological study used a spatial analysis of Mean Incidence Rates (MIR) of probable cases of CHIKF reported among residents of the 19 municipalities of the 1st HRP, in 2015–2021. The univariate and bivariate global Moran indexes (I) were estimated. From the significant associations (p<0.05), clusters were identified using the local Moran index and maps. Results: A predominance of the largest CHIKF rates was identified in the east. However, there was a heterogeneous distribution of rates across municipalities, which may have contributed to the absence of spatial autocorrelation of CHIKF (I=0.03; p=0.294) in univariate I. The bivariate I revealed a positive spatial correlation between CHIKF and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) (I=0.245; p=0.038), but with a cluster of cities with low incidences and low MHDI in the west. There was no spatial correlation between CHIKF and the other variables analyzed: population density, Gini index, social vulnerability index, and building infestation index for Aedes aegypti. Conclusions: The results suggest that only the MHDI influenced the occurrence of CHIKF in the 1st HRP, so that municipalities in the west demonstrated spatial dependence between lower values of MHDI and MIR. However, this spatial correlation may have occurred due to possible underreporting in the area. These findings can assist in the (re)orientation of resources for surveillance and health care services.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar, na Iᵃ Região de Saúde de Pernambuco (Iᵃ RSP), os padrões espaciais da febre de Chikungunya (CHIKF) e os fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e de infestação vetorial associados. Métodos: Este estudo ecológico utilizou a análise espacial das Taxas Médias de Incidência (TMI) de casos prováveis da CHIKF notificados entre os residentes dos 19 municípios da Iᵃ RSP no período de 2015–2021. Os índices de Moran global (I) univariados e bivariados foram estimados. Das associações significativas (p<0,05), clusters foram localizados por meio do Índice de Moran Local e de mapas. Resultados: Identificou-se predominância das maiores TMI da CHIKF no leste. Entretanto, houve distribuição heterogênea das taxas dos municípios, o que pode ter contribuído para a ausência de autocorrelação espacial da CHIKF (I=0,03; p=0,294) no I univariado. O I bivariado revelou correlação espacial positiva entre a CHIKF e o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) (I=0,245; p=0,038), porém com um cluster de cidades com baixas incidências e baixo IDHM no oeste. Não houve correlação espacial entre a CHIKF e as demais variáveis analisadas: densidade demográfica, Índice de Gini, Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social e Índice de Infestação Predial de Aedes aegypti. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que somente o IDHM influenciou na ocorrência da CHIKF na Iᵃ RSP, de forma que municípios do oeste demonstraram dependência espacial entre menores valores de IDHM e TMI. No entanto, essa correlação espacial pode ter ocorrido devido às possíveis subnotificações na área. Tais achados podem auxiliar na (re)orientação de recursos dos serviços de vigilância e assistência à saúde.

ABSTRACT Maize is importance in the semiarid region due to its forage potential. However, the large number of hybrids on the market hampers the selection of the hybrid by the producer. Given the above, the objective of this paper is to identify genotypes with productive potential for forage and grain production according to the characteristics of the semiarid region of Brazil. Twenty genotypes with different genotypic classes were evaluated in two years (2018 and 2019) in the municipality of Gracho Cardoso, state of Sergipe. The experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with two replicates. Genotype characteristics, grain yield, and forage mass were evaluated and the results were estimated using mixed models and GT Biplots. The genotypic classes consisting of topcrosses and intervarietal hybrids showed high average grain yield and the three classes produced equally on average for forage mass. It was observed that the HI, HTC, and V genotypic classes were the most responsive for grain yield, forage mass, and dry matter content, respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that the genetically broad-based hybrids (HTC and HI) were the most promising for the semiarid of region of Sergipe, while interspecific hybrids were the most productive and stable.

ABSTRACT Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The diagnosis is based on clinical data and serological analysis; however, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests may vary depending on the type of test and stage of the infection. In order to overcome this premise, this study utilized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of T. pallidum DNA in whole blood samples of patients with syphilis. The blood samples from patients with or without symptoms of syphilis, but with positive results in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were included in this study. A venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was performed for all collected sera samples. For PCR, the T. pallidum DNA was extracted from the collected blood samples and a specific primer set was designed to amplify 131 nucleotides of polA (Tp0105). The specificity of the primers was evaluated with the DNA of 17 different pathogens. From a total of 314 blood samples reactive in ELISA, 58.2% (183/314) of the samples were reactive in the VDRL test. In the PCR, 54% (168/314) of the ELISA-reactive samples were positive. In both tests (VDRL and PCR) 104 samples were positive. Of 104 positive samples for both tests, 71 were at the latent stage. Based on these results, it can be concluded that PCR with the designed set of primers can be utilized as a diagnostic method for T. pallidum detection in blood samples of patients with syphilis, especially those with latent infection. In addition, it can be utilized as a supplement for serological methods to improve the diagnosis of syphilis.

BACKGROUND The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has become a major concern contributing to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. OBJECTIVES Here we describe the replacement of the Gamma variant of concern (VOC) with Delta in the western Brazilian Amazon. METHODS In this study, we analysed 540 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples determined by qualitative real-time RT-PCR selected in the state of Rondônia between June and December 2021. The positive cohort was sequenced through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and each sample was quantified using real-time RT-qPCR, the whole genome sequence was obtained, SARS-CoV-2 lineages were classified using the system Pango and the maximum likelihood (ML) method was used to conduct phylogenetic analyses. FINDINGS A total of 540 high-quality genomes were obtained, where the Delta VOC showed the highest prevalence making up 72%, with strain AY.43 being the most abundant, while the Gamma VOC was present in 28%, where the P.1 strain was the most frequent. In this study population, only 32.96% (178/540) had completed the vaccination schedule. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the presence of Gamma and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 in RO. Furthermore, we observed the replacement of the Gamma VOC with the Delta VOC and its lineages.

RESUMO O milho é bastante cultivado na região semiárida brasileira e contém alto valor energético na dieta animal. Sabendo disto, objetivou-se caracterizar diferentes classes genéticas de milho quanto ao seu potencial forrageiro nas condições semiáridas de Sergipe. Para isso, foram avaliados 36 genótipos em blocos incompletos em Látice quadrado reticulado 6x6, com duas repetições, na fazenda experimental da Embrapa – Semiárido, em Graccho Cardoso-SE. As variáveis analisadas foram: altura da planta, diâmetro do colmo, peso de planta, massa fresca, massa seca, porcentagem de massa seca e massa de forragem. Com os dados obtidos foi realizada análise de variância com auxílio do software SAS 9,4 e, para a geração dos componentes principais (CP) e gráficos, foi utilizado o software R com o pacote “GGEBiplotGUI”. Todas as variáveis apresentaram diferenças significativas entre classes genéticas. Os dois primeiros componentes principais contemplaram 83,9% da variação total. O autovalor do primeiro CP (CP1) foi de 4,11, considerado muito significativo, já que a soma de todos os autovalores foi de 6,99. A porcentagem de massa seca, diâmetro do colmo, peso de planta, massa fresca, seca e de forragem obtiveram maior capacidade de discriminar as classes genotípicas. Os híbridos intervarietais ficaram mais próximos do genótipo “ideal”. A maior correlação positiva foi entre massa de forragem e massa seca. Os híbridos simples e triplos destacaram-se individualmente na altura da planta e porcentagem de massa. A massa seca e de forragem obtiveram maiores médias em todas as classes, exceto nos híbridos simples. As variedades foram as menos estáveis nas avaliações. Os híbridos intervarietais apresentaram maior potencial forrageiro e os duplos, topcross e variedades maior variabilidade genética, as demais classes não são indicadas para agricultores de baixa e média tecnologia quando cultivados em região semiárida para forragem de milho.

ABSTRACT Corn is widely grown in the semi-arid region and contains high energy value in the animal diet. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize different genetic classes of maize cultivated for forage potential in the semiarid conditions the Sergipe. For this, 36 genotypes were evaluated in incomplete blocks in lattice square reticulate 6x6, with two replications, in the experimental farm of Embrapa - Semiárido, in Graccho Cardoso-SE. The variables analyzed were: plant height, stem diameter, plant weight, fresh weight, dry weight, percentage of dry weight and forage weight. With the data obtained was accomplished an analysis of variance with the help of software SAS 9,4 and, for generation the principal component analysis (PCA) and graphics, was used the software R with the package “GGEBiplotGUI”. All the variables showed significant differences between genetic classes. The first two main components included 83.9% of the total variation. The eigenvalues of the first PC (PC1) were 4,11, considering more significant, since the sum of all was of 6,99. The percentage of dry mass, stem diameter, plant weight, fresh, dry and forage mass obtained greater hability to discriminate genotypic classes. The intervarietal hybrids were closer to the “ideal” genotype. The greatest positive correlation was between forage weight and dry weight. The single and triple hybrids stood out individually in plant height and percentage of mass. The dry and forage mass obtained higher averages in all classes, except for simple hybrids. The varieties were the least stable in the evaluations. The intervarietal hybrids showed greater forage potential and the double, topcross and varieties had greater genetic variability, already to the genetic classes they are not indicated for farmers of low and mean tech in the semiarid region for forage of maize.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar as ações de atenção à criança no período neonatal a partir das estratégias preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde. Estudo transversal realizado a partir do banco de dados da pesquisa nacional de base populacional intitulada “Chamada Neonatal: avaliação da atenção ao pré-natal e aos menores de um ano nas regiões Norte e Nordeste”, que aconteceu nos nove municípios prioritários para o Pacto de Redução da Mortalidade Infantil e Neonatal no Rio Grande do Norte, com 837 pares mãe/filho. As variáveis foram compostas pelas questões/ações referentes ao período neonatal, seguidas de uma análise descritiva e inferencial. Foi utilizada toda a amostra do banco de dados composta por 57,6% na capital e 42,4% no conjunto dos interiores. A frequência das ações de âmbito hospitalar variou de 35% a 96% e as realizadas na atenção básica de 57% a 91,2%. A maioria teve associação com os hospitais de natureza pública e com a capital do estado, e as ações de atenção à continuidade do cuidado com melhores condições econômicas (p < 0,05). Todas as ações não atenderam a totalidade do que é preconizado nos programas e políticas de atenção à criança, e revelam as iniquidades regionais em saúde.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the childcare actions in the neonatal period from the strategies recommended by the Ministry of Health. Cross-sectional study carried out from the database of the national population-based survey entitled “Chamada Neonatal” (Neonatal Call - in English): assessment of attention to prenatal care and to children under one year in the North and Northeast, which happened in the nine priority municipalities for the Pact of reducing child mortality and Neonatal in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil with 837 mother/child pairs. The variables were composed by issues/actions regarding the neonatal period, followed by a descriptive and inferential analysis. The whole database sample was used, composed of 57.6% in the capital and 42.4% in all the interiors. The frequency of hospital environment actions ranges from 35% to 96% and those carried out in primary care from 57% to 91.2%. Most are associated with the nature of public hospitals and the state capital, and the actions of care for continuity of care and better economic conditions (p <0.05). Not all actions met the totality of what is advocated in the programs and childcare policies, and reveals regional inequalities in healthcare.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar as ações de atenção à criança no período neonatal a partir das estratégias preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde. Estudo transversal realizado a partir do banco de dados da pesquisa nacional de base populacional intitulada “Chamada Neonatal: avaliação da atenção ao pré-natal e aos menores de um ano nas regiões Norte e Nordeste”, que aconteceu nos nove municípios prioritários para o Pacto de Redução da Mortalidade Infantil e Neonatal no Rio Grande do Norte, com 837 pares mãe/filho. As variáveis foram compostas pelas questões/ações referentes ao período neonatal, seguidas de uma análise descritiva e inferencial. Foi utilizada toda a amostra do banco de dados composta por 57,6% na capital e 42,4% no conjunto dos interiores. A frequência das ações de âmbito hospitalar variou de 35% a 96% e as realizadas na atenção básica de 57% a 91,2%. A maioria teve associação com os hospitais de natureza pública e com a capital do estado, e as ações de atenção à continuidade do cuidado com melhores condições econômicas (p < 0,05). Todas as ações não atenderam a totalidade do que é preconizado nos programas e políticas de atenção à criança, e revelam as iniquidades regionais em saúde.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the childcare actions in the neonatal period from the strategies recommended by the Ministry of Health. Cross-sectional study carried out from the database of the national population-based survey entitled “Chamada Neonatal” (Neonatal Call - in English): assessment of attention to prenatal care and to children under one year in the North and Northeast, which happened in the nine priority municipalities for the Pact of reducing child mortality and Neonatal in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil with 837 mother/child pairs. The variables were composed by issues/actions regarding the neonatal period, followed by a descriptive and inferential analysis. The whole database sample was used, composed of 57.6% in the capital and 42.4% in all the interiors. The frequency of hospital environment actions ranges from 35% to 96% and those carried out in primary care from 57% to 91.2%. Most are associated with the nature of public hospitals and the state capital, and the actions of care for continuity of care and better economic conditions (p <0.05). Not all actions met the totality of what is advocated in the programs and childcare policies, and reveals regional inequalities in healthcare.